Just one year ago, almost to the day, Specialized released their highly anticipated update to the Enduro platform. Despite loads of speculation, some going as far to claim a similar platform to the new Demo 8, the update turned out to be just that; an update. Many believed that the new Enduro would see more of an overhaul, but instead, the brand took what was working well for them and made adjustments to bring the bike up to date with current technology.

Now, one year after the 2017 model year was released, we have the announcement of more updates to the Enduro. Overall, the frame is the same in appearance and construction, but Specialized have altered the geometry slightly and added the ability to adjust it via a flip-chip in the shock extension (or yoke). With the rate that the market has been moving on the geometry side of things, and based on team feedback (Curtis and Jared, as well as national level riders too), Specialized wanted to make some amends to the frames so that the difference in feel between the 29-inch and 27.5-inch wheeled bikes was close to nill. They extended the reach on each wheelsize model and made a number of other small amends.

First, let’s look at the Enduro 29er. The 2018 model has grown in reach between 5 and 13mm depending on the size of the frame (size SM increased 5mm, size XL grew 13 with varying amounts in-between). Stack has shrunk 4mm across the size range and while the head angle remains the same in the high setting on the flip-chip, the low setting slackens the bike 0.5 degree, granting the 29er a slack 65.5-degree head angle.

The flip-chip grants 8mm of adjustment where bottom bracket height is concerned, with the high setting resulting in the bike sitting about 2mm higher, while the low setting drops the bike about 6mm lower than the 2017 model. For those not familiar with the BB height on the current 2017 model Enduro, the low setting now provides a 346mm (~13.6-inch) bottom-bracket height while the high setting leaves the bike sitting at 352mm (~13.9-inch).

The shock extension and link on the 29er are both updated.

The flip chip placement in the shock yoke/extension.

For the 27.5-inch wheeled models, the reach grew a little more in an effort to make the cockpit between the bikes feel more similar to each other. Models with this wheel size have grown between 13 and 19mm and as with the 29er, that varies as you step through the sizing in the range. Where the larger wheel models shrunk in stack height, the 27.5 grew, with a size small now measuring a stack height of 590mm, increasing 5mm—the extra-large grew from 613mm to 655mm, a growth of 42mm. As with the reach, how much the stack increased depends on the size of the frame. Bottom-bracket height changes 8mm, as with the 29er, though the high setting on the 27.5 grants the same height as the stock 2017 model, but flipping the chip in the extension provides a 342mm bottom-bracket height. The head angle adjusts from the current 65.5 to 65 degrees.

Only the extension (yoke) is changed on the 27.5 model

While working on the extension/flip-chip, Specialized took the opportunity to make a minor adjustment to the wheel rate on the 27.5-inch Enduro. They needed to move the front shock bolt in order to have everything work and in the process, adjusted its placement so that a more progressive end stroke was garnered. On the 29er, they changed the link and the extension, negating the need to move the forward shock mount, and keeping the suspension characteristics the same in the process.

Side-by-side comparison of geometry changes between the 2018 and 2017 Enduro models.

The new extension and link will be available aftermarket and is retrofittable to the 2017 model. While you obviously won't get all of the geometry updates through the link, the head angle and bottom-bracket height adjustments will be available. The extension (yoke) is all that is needed for the 27.5-inch Enduro and is said to cost $20 USD, while the 29er needs the extension and link, and will sell for $50 USD.

Updated Parts and Accessories

The 2018 Enduro will also be fitted with wider, 800mm bars and a shorter stem on all models. What’s more interesting, though, is some of the new parts that Specialized have been working on for a number of years; the WU seatpost and the S.W.A.T. CC tool.

The S.W.A.T. CC is a tool that slots into your steerer tube and has all of the parts included that are on the current S.W.A.T. tool (whether bottle cage mounted or under the top tube) with the exception of the Phillips-head screw driver. It also includes a chain tool. The tool replaces the star nut and works similar to the old Azonic Head Lock, compressing the parts between the top and bottom fixtures, and is tightened from the underside of the headtube. The S.W.A.T. CC will be available on S-Works, Pro, and Coil model lines—it will not be available aftermarket.

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Specialized's new S.W.A.T. CC Tool provides easy access to the multitool and houses a chain tool in the steerer too.

The WU seatpost is a slightly more unique take on the dropper. The travel of the post shaft is 115mm, but with a twist to garner what Specialized deem to be another 35mm drop. As the post lowers, the seat angle is adjusted. At its lowest, the rear of the seat is tilted back, similar to how a downhiller may run their saddle, but when extended the seat tilts forward to provide a comfortable riding position. Specialized claim that this change in seat angle results in an overall drop of 150mm (measured at the area we sit on the seat—rear of center). The WU post will come fitted to S-Works, Pro, and Coil model lines and will be available aftermarket in the future.

The WU seatpost tilt the seat back with the post is slammed.

Seat tilts forward when the post is at full extension.

The 2018 Enduro models will also see more fitted with Öhlins suspension, with the Pro and Elite model lines seeing a new fork and shock; the STX. The STX is a more simplified damper—it doesn’t feature the twin tube functionality of the TTX—and will be OEM only for the moment. The Pro model line will also come fitted with carbon hoops and all Enduro models for 2018 will be fitted with Specialized’s updated Butcher Grid 2.6 tires, front and rear. Finally, all models with the exception of the Comp line will come fitted with SRAM’s new Code brakes.

I've always thought that was a cool idea, and stoked Specialized brought it to life. Though as someone asked me, "but has not having a slanted seat ever been a problem?"...No, I've never even thought about it while actually riding.

Also, love the form and function of the CC tool, but with no aftermarket sales that confirms I'll buy the OneUp for my new Capra.

We've known this has been coming for a while. They filed a patent a few years ago, and the 2017 enduro has a 34.whatever seatpost diameter, but came with their 30.9 and a shim; it looks like they needed the wider diameter to get the tilt in there.

@pav4: as not to get your shorts stuck on the seat when getting behind it, also easier to get behind it. Also I like a higher nose as to be able to use it in conjunction with your knees when downhilling,cornering, or throwing suicides yo!

"The WU seatpost tilt the seat back with the post is slammed.Seat tilts forward when the post is at full extension."......I literally laughed so f*cking hard. The WU handle bar has your hands forceably grip the bar as you sit on the seat, and the WU pedals make you essentially a Transformer, but in bicycle form.

@AZRyder@pav4: also, think of the relative seat angle when the bike is pointed downhill - a similar reason why DH bikes slack head angles feel terrible on climbs and flats, but perfect on descents. Plus it is easier to keep your COG above the BB on descents. What a great idea!

@AZRyder: Might depend on the bike? I think about it all the time when I ride; I can only seem to get my seat angle perfect for slammed or right up, but never both. I can't be alone or specialised wouldn't have developed it.

@NickB01: Nah definitely considered tilting my seat back on my trail bike for days in the bike park/longer dh days. personally I think its a great idea but I would definitely need more drop around 150/160

personally i run my saddle tipped further back than most even when the seat is up as i find it relives pressure on the old boys. i think this is a great idea because when the seat on my trail bike is down it always feels like its trying to push me forwards and i hate it. so much so that i no longer ride the trail bike,

@sutter2k: I agree with you. If you look at my profile I have for now a fuzzy pic of a tilt adjustable seat. I have been riding it year and a half now. It is for climbing however. When I approach a climb I tilt the tip of the seat down to compensate for the incline so you seat always on a flatter surface. I designed the mech and is controlled via lever on the handlebar and you can change the angle while riding on the go without dismounting of the bike. Cheers. Never mind I just figured how to post the link to the pic or so I thought.

I have designed a tilting seat post for climbing and you can do it with a lever on the handlebar while riding without interrupting the ride. It tips the front of the seat down for climbing and back to normal for the flat riding. I can even tilt it back further more for descending too. 2 cents. Sorry for the lousy pic.

@tbubier: My incredulous riding chums will attest to it. When every ride is one big climb followed by one big descent, one minute messing around with an allen key while everyone has a chill at the top is no bigee. All for the reasons put forward by aidy above. Most people think it's ridiculous, so don't worry. My rides are usually shorter nowadays so I leave it in between mostly.

@Gvus2001: 100% agree. I just built up 2017 S-works enduro and was super excited to hear about the new dropper post. Im disappointed that its only an effective 150mm drop. Needs to be an effective 175-185mm drop.

@acetasting1992: so adjusting the tilt of your seat is fine mid ride but adjusting the brake levers is weird? I suppose next you are going to tell me switching from shorts with chamois to dh shorts mid ride is also weird?

@Jetbenny: I took some measures from the photos and the actual drop at the shaft would be only around 21mm. However because of the added slant, the rear extremity of the seat, which is what gets in the way, goes down by 85mm. So 85+115mm=200mm, which is quite satisfactory...

Yeah I always thought bikes started to look silly with the lowered dropper posts with level seats. But it seems people like to raise them all the way up to XC heights so then of course a level seat makes sense. So dropper posts became kind of a compromise led by the XC position. I don't need a dropper (I just keep my saddle low) but I can imagine if someone becomes used to this new dropper, they don't want to go back.

I also had an idea to achieve the same thing but it turned out to become an ugly linkage. This dial-telescopic system with a single link is so much more elegant and I would never have believed it to be reliable. And by reliable I mean a seatpost has to be able to survive going OTB on a descend when bike lands on the saddle at least 2m or 3m down the hill. Back in the day my gear wasn't up to that.

I really want to take one of those posts apart or see an exploded diagram of that thing.

Bike is pretty damn innovative for a huge production company. Santa Cruz isn't a huge production company, they are a high end niche builder. Finally starting to compete on the lower end a bit. They make a wicked product, but again the details you pay for in a SC come at a price, which for many is worth it.

Really want to ride one of these in Plus form, I bet that is like riding a rocket power bulldozer.

They do innovate, but in my opinion, the wrong areas. SWAT is really cool, the tilting dropper looks pretty sweet, and the SWAT CC, while it looks to me like a complete copy of OneUp's EDC tool, is awesome. I don't need those things though, what I want, after riding a StumpJumper for years is innovation to FSR. The platform really isn't great to pedal around, and was mediocre at descending as well. Innovate with a new suspension design that works better and I'm on board!

@tgent: Agreed. Geo and kinematics like the rest - nothing special. In the next five years, innovation will be required to survive...mark my word, you will start to see big changes (for good or bad). this minor measurement changes on an individual basis are worthless without understanding the whole system and the permutations available within each.

@mhoshal: the only time i can take a pic of my bike is when im not on it. Hows my living room different from your basement or the side of your house? I could hve been a REAL poser and rode around on my cove on Winnipeg streets. But i sold it to someone how could actually use it instead. And my element (s)? Like i said when im riding it im not stopping to take a selfie ffs.

I'm wondering what shock people would put on this instead. You can get a Fox Float x2, CCDB Air and an Ohlins coil. I think that covers the spectrum of awesomeness. Love them or hate them Specialized is big enough for shock companies to adhere to their standards.

@OLTI27: Ok, but change it to what? A spare shock? The number of non-racers who have multiple shocks for a single frame is probably less than 1%. I'd go so far as to say less than 0.5%. The vast, vast majority of riders can do with sending their shock in once a season for a service/re-build, which can most often be done during the off-season. The number of riders who need multiple shocks due to needing multiple services in a single season is so small, that these people most likely know it and will get a second shock to fit anyway.

What is the side load issue with this shock? I cant really fault the design of the system, other than, they could make the yoke junction larger but that's pretty inherent. There is also a pivot right there on the seatpost so im sure the lateral movement stays to a minimum.

Here is my issue:

I don't know about other specialized riders, but I have always had an easy time setting up my proprietary fox rear shock, and haven't really been disappointed with its performance. So whats all the need to switch?

Im just saying: I guess i trust the brand to supply a decent enough shock on their trail bikes at this point in their manufacturing experience.

@ka-brap@ryan83 If you buy a lower model, it will come with the mediocre monarch shock. Also, if you blow your rear shock its harder to replace. ALSO you will blow your rear shock since the yoke, directly attached to the swingarm, acts like a giant lever on your shock. Since the rear connector is bolted on, instead of a sideways-turned eyelet like Pivot, Kona, and others, it side-loads the entire shock body. My rear shock blew, all my friends with enduros blew, and yours will as well.

Many people would like to swap out their air for a coil- after upgrading from the monarch on the lower models, this is probably the next most likely scenario that is now harder to do.

As said before, the BIke Yoke aftermarket kit will remedy all these problems.

According to Specialized, ‘Wu’ is in fact a noun. The company define it as ‘slang for positive saddle adjustment, commonly found on DH bikes. Example: “Dude, you got some serious WU going on with your saddle.”

Jesus Christ no. Nobody has ever said that, ever. In the entire history of the universe, nobody has ever said that outside of specialized marketing.

"But it's an effective 150 mm!" No, it isn't. That's like saying effective and actual seat angle are the same thing. They aren't.

So, dear specialized- 150mm of ACTUAL drop is the bare minimum for a gravity oriented bike these days, there is no excuse for less, and 170+ is more ideal. So if you started with 150 mm drop, and had your super special +35mm "effective" drop, then maybe this would be sweet.

.115mm is the drop of bottom part. +some drop from the tilt. Depending on if you measure from the beck of the seat or the middle. So it could be 150mm added up. And 150 is ok for most riders (I ride 125mm and it is enough).

And I know that on a 125 mm dropper, not only is the back end of the saddle in the way, so is the nose. At 115 mm it would be worse. So great, their design drops the back more. Cool. Except if you are really moving around on the bike, the back of the saddle is not the only part that will interfere, so will the nose. Dropping the nose 115 mm is not even close to enough.

This is the first time in a long time I'm genuinely excited about a dropper post, even though I have already failed 2 Command posts (great warranty though), but still want this one anyway, take my money!

I don't understand how they kept the same front triangle on the Enduro for 4 years (2013-2016) apperently to save money on moulds and now they change everything after just one year? Doesn't make sense to me

Big S make good trail bikes for those kind of perfect IMBA trails,no rocks,few jumps,nice corners. Where I live those Enduros&Stumpjumpers are useless compared to any modern real enduro bikes. Worst bikes I ever ride,even a 10 year old ugly Kona makes me feel more confidence on the trail.

erm, I am a total IMBA trail loving loser because I rode the first version of Enduro 29 two weeks ago and I liked handling more than my super modern Antidote... I mean you guys must be shredding the gnar so hard.

@WAKIdesigns: working as an MTB guide I can see a lot of bikes and ride a few them. 1 year ago or more I test ride both bikes (29&27,5.) I just feel I must check those bikes . Enduro 29" version is a little bit less puzzle bike than 27,5 one but both bikes feel underpowered compared to other bikes.Both bikes are hard to ride fast and building confidence around it take long time. Stumjumper is a good trail bike,light,nimble over smooth trails,but in steep&gnarly is overwhelmed really quick. My boss has and old 500€ Kona bike who I ride same day I test ride both Enduro bikes and that bike make me questioning one thing or two about big S bikes. Maybe this new version rides amazing,I hope so.

@fartymarty: The current, 2017 model at size XL with an ETT of 625mm is more comparable to 2013-2016 E29's size L (ETT=617mm) than XL (ETT=640mm). With this latest 2018 geometry update they have remedied it, although it is still a few mm shorter than a year ago. Like Santa Cruz, Specialized should also add XXL to their size chart.

I would have to ride a freaking Geometron because I have no clue what the problem with even the first Enduro 29 is. I will highly probably ride the 2016-17 E29 in XL soon, but I don't expect much change. Also I rode 2013 Stumpy 29 EVO and the dual nature of it's stability/flickability was amazing already: I founf the 2015 Stumpy 29 a bit dull but definitely not undergunned. Quite frankly, the only 275 bikes that get close to my experiences with "biggish" 29ers are quasi DH monsters. My Antidote Carbon Jack is relatively long and slack. BUT if I would like it to ride any close to Enduro 29 from 20-fricking-14, I have to put DH tyres on and boost Lyrik to 180mm of travel. There is no comparison what so ever between my rather big 160 275 bike on 1plies to Enduro 29 on 1plies. My bike feels like a pogo stick next to Enduro in such setup. Considering that I ride with fast people from time to time and know how much I am slacking to them, I am coming to a conclusion that If basic Enduro 29 is not stable enough for you, then I can only assume that 1.I am not sure what you guys are trying to achieve, other than getting numbers right 2.You guys are fkng rippers and should race more. Again, to match the stability and confidence insiring handling of 2014 Enduro 29 Comp in Large, on Exo tyres, I must put 180 Lyrik and DH tyres on my Antidote Carbon jack in Large. As newer models are even longer and slacker I can only assume, that there is no mass produced 275 bike that matches handling of 2018 E29, especially when you equip it with 1.5ply or DH tyres.

Judging by my maybe small experience I assume that at least for amateur use, a bike like 2018 Enduro 29, Slash 29 or Evil Wreckoning, equipped with DH tyres can challenge 275 DH bikes. Perhaps 275s from Geometron and Pole are more stable, but I am highly sceptical if I would like to own one. I want to try it, damn right I want, but E29 is already beyond anything I can push it through with clear conscience. The risk vs reward factor of going that fast is just spinning out of control and I am relatively daring one, when I compare myself to people I know. Vast majority of people affording these bikes are not pushing them any close to their limit, and while I am perfectly fine with "the old man in a McLaren P1" situation - fk I'm glad for him - I am not buying a dude on forum saying if he only got few numbers better he could push much harder. I think we're new 2-4 years beyond the era of bikes not inspiring confidence, bikes are outpacing vast majority of their riders.

Please don't take it as I am denying you guys being super shredders who could push a Geometron to it's limit, I don't really care, but i will say it smells when you pee on my shoe and you tell me it'r raining E29 was a fricking space rocket from the release of it's first model.

@WAKIdesigns: Totally agree, waki. After spending the whole 26'er era honking about how bikes are too short and nothing sold fits me... now XL bikes are huge and all that bike is more ponderous than fast on half the trails i ride. We've reached the point where reach should be 'to taste,' rather than more More MORE! It's great.

@bootyslap1: according to calculations performed by Pinkbike's chamber of geometrical appropriateness, the Geometron on Sale is like a black dwarf star - universe is still to young for such object to exist. Who in their sane mind would sell a Geometron...

@WAKIdesigns: Agreed 100%. Is everyone on here today really, and i mean REALLY, going to notice an extra 1.5 cm on the chainstays?? C'mon, hell no they're not!! You got so and so up there saying that he won't buy this badass bike unless they add 1.5 effing centimeters onto the chainstays!I have the 2017 Enduro 29 and it has taken my riding to another level. Granted, I'm not a professional caliber rider, but there probably aren't a lot of those guys commenting on a bone stock Enduro today...

Couldn't agree more I have the 2014 E29, according to the new trend I've been suffering unnecessarily.

I'm 6ft in five tens and ride a medium with a reach (according to geometry charts) of 425mm - it feels perfect to me but you read this stuff and question your whole biking existence!

My real world experience though has just been updated and confirmed- this week I'm lucky enough to be in Madeira riding with Freeride Madeira on some of the EWS stages, due to problems in transit my bike took a hit to the brake lever and rear mech, fortunately Freeride Madeira could supply a hire bike, another enduro, the 2017 650b comp, but they insisted, given my height I should by in a large size, as they know the trails and it's a different bike in wheel size I was happy to follow their advice.

Sadly, throughout the ride I felt like I was 12 years old and riding my dads bike...it was just too long, on the steep rocky, tight corners I was struggling to hold on, added to which the often heard complaint that the BB is too high saw me regularly pedalstriking rocks, something I rarely do, as a result my confidence suffered and as result was glad when the ride ended.

These constant updates in geometry and standards seem to me to aimed a very small % of riders, in fact Jared Graves, or chasing favourable reviews, it wasn't long ago the E29 was hoovering up accolades now it has so many issues the 2017 only lasted a year.

As for boost, a clever trick, if I want a new frame, I now need new wheels and a new crank or clutter the bike I was happy with with the necessary adapters. The bike industry in my view just plays on insecurities and offers fixes.@WAKIdesigns:

@nohit45: You might. Depends on your size. At 191cm I do experience difficulties climbing steep (it just goes to unicycle mode) with my bike sporting 73 degrees of SA (pre-sag), with a straight seat tube (ESA=SA), and 435mm CS. For me CS (and SA), naturally, is more a question of uphill performance than a DH stability. So yes, I would not buy a bike with CS shorter than 435mm, if possible. I guess that this latest Enduro could be forgiven these 2mm given the steeper SA, although the question is what is the real effective SA at my fully extended seat height. To me 2018 E29 and Orbea Rallon 5 seem quite interesting as prospective purchases, despite not being number "perfect".

@jollyXroger: Kinematics shmatics, If I was after Enduro 29, I'd buy the Comp version and equip it with Öhlins TTX or EXT Storia, spending less money and easily outperforming ANY frame with Fox or RS shock or some carbon rim/ high end drive train snake oils. Unless something is seriously messed up (which is rarely the case these days), quality fluid dynamics override kinematics. One dude was raving about how his SB5 is superior to anything, checked his album: Fox Float Evol... yea buddy yea... off course... Enduro 29 is tempting because it is rather cheap on second hand market considering what you get. To match it or outperform it you're in for some serious cash out, like Wreckoning or Yeti 5.5. I hope Antidote guys will make a long travel 29er soon. And I hope it will be as compact as Enduro 29, not a freight train. 29ers are already stable as hell due to gyroscopic effect, plenty of grip to correct mistakes, I can setup the bike and read terrain well enough to not need even more straight line stability or passive grip. If I want more grip on the front wheel I use my upper body and hours spend on pump track or on parking lot doing cornering drills. I rode bikes feeling big and I didn't like them. For instance my Antidote CJ with fork being swapped from 160 to 180 changes from playful yet solid bike into a plower that has all the balls on the straight but little to show in the corners.

@jollyXroger: I'm all too familiar with post purchase rationalization syndrome, I believe I am free of it. I hated my Hope crankset I cashed out a lot on (instead of buying 3 times cheaper SLX) on the second week I owned it and openly crapped on them for making such overcomplicated junk with unnecessarily thick axle. So I did with carbon rims I bought. 1 month of honeymoon and fk that rough crap I thought to myself.

Would I buy 29er from Antidote? If I had 1k more on my account, yes. But I am bankrupt for at least 3 more years. So in 3 years, maybe. I won't hide it, I got a deal for Carbon Jack and it happened at the moment I was waiting with cash in my hands for Enduro 29 or Process 153 to pop up on classifieds. What Antidote is amazing with, is suspension+shock. This thing is amazing at climbing when combined with CCDB Coil CS. So it is on descents. It just glues to the ground yet pops as desired. To the point where I hucked into the middle of 30cm high whoops section at speed just to check out if I will survive. That was a freaking trust exercise.

I learned a lot with owning a quite high end Blur TRc, if you are low on cash and don't

@WAKIdesigns: I was in a similar situation myself, eyeing a second hand E29, but since there were none on the market, in my size at least, I decided to pour cash into upgrading my 26er, which I bought at the advent of 650B. Yes, it is a better bike than before, but recovering decent amount of costs from that is impossible, so it will end up as keeper while the budget for that 29er builds up. Good thing is that long travel 29ers are nigh.

@jollyXroger: I find the best thing about current long travel bikes is that suspension got so fkng good, you can climb these just as well as short travel bikes. Off course considering you use comparable wheels/tyres. I rode whole summer with DH tyres, climbed 1000m in a day on few occasions. Quite hard to achieve 10 years ago. Dampers in forks and shocks were simply either XC or DH oriented.

@jollyXroger: I had the same issues with climbing and the CS / SA relationships as such need longer CS to keep the front down. But I think geo is now good for 6' riders but still has a little way to go for taller riders. An XXL would fix this though.

@WAKIdesigns: I think it is about having a bike you are comfortable on. If you can push it to the limit is another story. If you are comfortable it gives you the ability to start exploring the limits in a safeish way.

@WAKIdesigns: I think it is about having a bike you are comfortable on. If you can push it to the limit is another story. If you are comfortable it gives you the ability to start exploring the limits in a safeish way.

@fartymarty: I totaly agree, but you know how it is with feelings... one day you buy Evil Wreckoning, you are super happy with it and then on another day you wake up and feel like you want a Bronson...

@WAKIdesigns: - Real question here. How does it manual, rider skill aside? Some bikes are easier to lift and keep the front end up. My old Kona Stinky was the easiest of the bikes I've owned/ridden. How does the Specialized enduro manual compared to other trail bikes?

@Panamaman: It manuals more than fine. It's 90% rider, 10% bike. I'm sorry but I have to say this, one either can or can't manual. I could get if someone just came into mtb from bmx background but bike tends to not be any problem once he can pop a front wheel of a 26" HT up in the air repeatedly and keep it there for 10-30 metres without touching the rear brake too much. It is much harder to pop a wheelie or a manual on a 26" DH bike or a superlight XC racing bike than a modern long travel 29er. I tried trek stache 29 + while I was just learning to hold manual for longer than few metres. It took me 3 attempts to pull that monster on a backwheel for a nice one.

But if making a new (or modifying an old?) mold after only a year on the market for Enduro is not an issue for Specialized, then why is it a problem to have molds for 2-3 different length chainstays like Norco does?

So. I have a 2017 Elite 650b. I like it. But... rear end is REALLY linear. Does the '18 yoke, which I can buy for $20, help make the rear travel more progressive? I don't need the geometry changes, but a more progressive rate out back would be welcome.

I have the 2013 model, I bought a rear triangle of a 2016 model and converted to 27.5. I am very satisfied of the bike performance.until it comes the mondraker dune to me and it changes everything, I love this bike the Fast Forward Geo. is really awesome.

So the flip chip changes the effective height of the bottom bracket by 8mm and the head angle by half a degree. I get that a change in bottom bracket height of around 8mm would be noticeable and effect handling. But, I struggle to imagine that the capacity to change my bike's head angle by half a degree is something that make any kind of significant difference, particularly given the massive changes in head angle that a telescopic fork continually introduces. Having installed 2 degree angle adjust headsets in some of my bikes I do know that a couple of degrees or more does make a real difference for me, but half a degree? Or is that just a side-effect of the ability to change bottom bracket height? Or is it the combination of the two changes together that is the key that makes the flip chip thing worthwhile? Having never ridden a bike with such a thing in it I am curious.

@YouHadMeAtDrugs: when you plough a rock garden and when you do corners you feel the difference. Your fork will be much more supple over the rough stuff but you have to keep your weight forward. At least that was my experience going from 66.5 to 66 on my spitfire. The rock gardens became less jarring at speed and i washed out on a flat dusty corner that caught me unaware and upright. Same trail, two different days, flip if the chip.

@Oldotter The two changes happen together and are kinda cumulative. The seat angle also slackens a half-degree, and you move more of your weigh rearward, especially seated. I'm sure it's perceptible and probably needs a few other bits retuned to feel really good.

Great choice from Specialized to give the XL some more reach to make it fit riders over 1,90m!
Huge stack on the XL 650B bike at 655 but 633 on the 29er should be fine too!
Nice new colours! But i don't really except much men buying the pink colour scheme!

@PHeller: no dude.I like the spesh enduro i have.In fact i think i havevthe finest vintage enduro of any year made.Its got 26 inch wheels and a bomb proof frame.Just cause its new doesnt always mean it better.If i got another frame id hunt down the same year \model.

@EnduroRider1986: it may have more fork travel but it is a smaller wheelsize so that almost evens out. That doesn't account for an increase in stack of 22mm over the 29er. A 655m stack is enormously high!

So the Big S decided to keep their proprietary shock mount that ruins rear shocks. Sad but not surprised. Also sad that their flip chip doesn't go nearly far enough. A 346mm BB is still WAYYYY to high. For the 2017 model year they had to sacrifice good geometry to accommodate 275+, and now that 275+ is dying its too late to go back.

How is it that this is the first comment to say more moving parts to fail!? Is exactly what I thought when I read it. As if droppers needed another way to fail...

The OneUp steerer tool is definitely far superior, even holds a co2. I'd believe Spesh has been working on it a while even tho OneUp launched theirs first. Just funny they launched it even when its not nearly as good.

Seatpost is a nifty idea but the amount of travel is a bit of a let down. A tilty seat seems like it should be absolutely slammed. But then, look at WC dh bikes & they run some tall ass seats. So idk what to think there. Looks like this post gets rid of the shim the 2017's use though. So is that non standard seatpost diameter now?

I also hope for every buyers sake the paragraph about the ohlins means theres completely different internals in that rear shock. Because... wooooo. I think Spec is out of coil replacements to hand out.

It was actually in production in a couple of my17 enduros but rockshox made a running change to their steerer tube ID. So they had to start over. Plus... you don't have to tap threads into the fork with this one.

They updated this immediatly as the 2017 I rode a few months ago is a poor bike at best. The 29 Enduro elite was so twitchy, bad suspension action, bad bad bad Geometry, terrible tires, (other people agreed with me even the Specialized mechanic settting the bikes up said the old butcher tires are poor....)Then I rode some Santa Cruz's a month later, in a different galaxy compared to the specialized, which is crazy considering Specialized should be able to make an Enduro bike that is stable with a stiff chassis that handles.

can´t agree.... bought the 2017 29er some months ago and I´m absolutely happy with my choice. Switched from the 2015 Giant reign 650b and in comparison the speci 29er is a way better bike for me. Ok I´m tall and ride the XL and maybe a 29er just fits better...but to say the suspension and geometry is bad I can´t agree. Its super neutral when pedaling uphill und feels plush when going down. I had the chance to test the bike before 3 days in a row. I do Enduro trails, DH tracks and the local dirt jump spot with my enduros...and the speci just passed everything with flying colours.just my 3cents